intertidal

American  

[in-ter-tahyd-l] / ˌɪn tərˈtaɪd l /

adjective

1. of or relating to the littoral region that is above the low-water mark and below the high-water mark.

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intertidal British  

/ ˌɪntəˈtaɪdəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the zone of the shore between the high-water mark and low-water mark

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intertidal Scientific  

/ ĭn′tər-tīd′l /

1. Relating to the region between the high tide mark and the low tide mark.

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Etymology

Origin of intertidal

First recorded in 1880–85; inter- + tidal

Example Sentences

"However, the same cannot be said for intertidal systems" such as salt marshes and mudflats that line the coast and are exposed at low tide, he added.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

More of the intertidal zone — where crabs, sculpin and sea stars hang out — will be exposed Thursday and Friday than any other time this year.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 6, 2024

A very clear relationship emerged in the long term: intertidal areas only grow when the water is turbid enough.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2024

This reduction is crucial for the propagation of tidal flats, leading to sediment starvation that hinders the natural rebuilding of intertidal zones, vital for coastal protection and biodiversity.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2024

Essentially all the plants and creatures which have left us their traces from this period of the earth’s history are shallow-water and intertidal beings.

From A Short History of the World by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)